Cover Model Q&A: Christy Venter

Hair and makeup by Kimberley’s A Day Spa in Latham. Select clothing available at Boscov’s Clifton Park. At right: blouse by Skye’s the Limit, pants by Nine West. Photo taken by Joann Hoose/HealthyLife

Christy Venter, 32, is so healthy she gets paid to help other people be healthy.

Venter is the owner and founder of HealthyME Living, which she’s been running for over a year. As a health coach and dietary consultant, Venter helps busy moms like herself figure out how to take better care of themselves.

Venter lives in Glenmont, where she grew up, and has two daughters, Ella, 7, and Grace, 4, with her husband Ryan. “My daughter is attending my old elementary school and has my same second grade teacher. How fun is that?,” she says.

You don’t totally love to work out, but you do exercise. How do you get yourself to do something you don’t like?

I know how important exercise is for your health, both body and mind, so I just do it. I want to set a good example for my children, so I do it but try to find ways that are fun and don’t feel like exercise (such as dance parties, tag, hula hooping, etc.). I want them to have a positive feeling about health and fitness.

What’s a frequent mistake people make when it comes to their own nutrition and diets?

Putting so much emphasis on dieting and not listening to your body. If you eat quality calories rather than only focus on quantity, your body will get the nutrients it needs which will cause less hunger and cravings and more clarity and energy. As a health coach, I help people with this process and look at other factors in their life that may be getting in the way. No one diet works for everyone but if we listen to our bodies, we’ll find what works best for us.

What’s your favorite thing to do on a Saturday afternoon?

I like when we have a free afternoon where no one has plans and we can just relax as a family. Usually, we end up playing family games or go swimming at the Y.

Who does the cooking in your family? What’s your favorite meal?

It used to be me but I’m happy that my husband has now been doing more of it. We love doing make-your-own-pizzas. We add pesto sauce, tomato sauce or just tomato slices to the dough and fresh veggies and cheese for the toppings. Everyone makes it the way they like it and we all enjoy doing it together.

What’s your favorite memory?

Enjoying summers at Schroon Lake as a child and now being able to enjoy them with my children.

Do you have a favorite movie?

I like documentaries about health such as Hungry for Change, Forks over Knives and Food, Inc.

What’s one thing about you that would surprise our readers?

I just purchased healthy vending machines for the Bethlehem Central High School, Middle School and other locations. I want to make healthier options more accessible.

➺ Top Tip: Be present. If you’re eating mindfully, you are tasting your food. You are getting the full experience and will feel satisfied. There is no reason to make your favorite treat off limits. You can have a small portion that you truly enjoy rather than a large portion that you didn’t even realize you just ate. Being present will enhance your everyday experiences and lead to a healthier life. — Cover model Christy Venter

Hair and makeup by Kimberley’s A Day Spa, Latham. Select clothing available at Boscov’s Clifton Park. Visit facebook.com/healthylifemagazine photo gallery. Photos taken at The National Museum of Dance in Saratoga.

The School of the Arts in the Lewis A. Swyer Studios offers a variety of dance classes from Zumba, Aerobic exercises, Hip Hop to Classical Ballet. Over three hundred students participate in classes taught by professional instructors. The SOA is supportive in hosting local projects such as Dance Alliance, auditions for Boston Ballet, New York State Summer School of the Arts, New York City Ballet and much more. For those who are not dancers but just want a great full-body workout, the SOA has that covered too.
The National Museum of Dance is also the perfect venue for your wedding or special event. Located in picturesque Saratoga Springs, New York, just minutes away from downtown, the Museum is an ideal location for your perfect day. The classical architecture of the 1920s Arts & Crafts style building creates an unforgettable ambiance that will be cherished in memories and photos for years to come. The Museum itself offers an elegant marble foyer with crystal chandeliers overlooking a private outdoor courtyard, as well as a light and airy South East Gallery – perfect for cocktails and smaller gatherings.
These three venues can be used as a combination of ceremony, cocktail hour and reception. The National Museum of Dance offers a private, charming and scenic location with easy access from the Northway as well as ample parking for all of your guests. The Museum is available for smaller events such as bridal showers, birthday parties, baby showers, bar and bat mitzvahs as well as fundraisers. Please feel free to contact Jo at 518.584.2225, ext. 3003 to arrange for more information and to schedule a viewing of the facility or e-mail rentals@dancemuseum.org. For a virtual tour of the Museum of Dance, visit our website www.dancemuseum.org.